₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s Muhammad-Bande Emerges UNGA President

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/04/nigerias-muhammad-bande-emerges-unga-president/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/04/youre-the-most-financially-reckless-profligate-governor-bauchi-gov-tells-predecessor/

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has accused his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, of being the most financially reckless governor.

The governor’s claim was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu.

The statement was in response to comments credited to Abubakar, to the effect that he left N11.7 billion in the coffers of the state.

The statement read: “The attention of His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed was drawn to comments credited to the immediate past Governor of Bauchi State, Barr. M.A Abubakar to the effect that he left Eleven Billion Naira (N11.7billion) at the time he handed over.

“The Gov., Sen. Bala A. Mohammed will not engage his predecessor by joining issues with him in the media, but in this case the Former Governor’s comments were completely at parallel with the truth.

“The amount, N14.5billion was an Infrastructure Refund from the Federal Government released to the states via the National Assembly to which Bauchi among other states was a beneficiary.

READ ALSO: Eid-el-Fitr: Police, NSCDC Deploy 9,882 Officers to Borno, Announce Restriction of Movement

“The Immediate Past Governor, mounted pressure on the DMO and the Minister of Finance to release the instrument which he took to the CBN and Auctioned it to the CBN at a rate far lower than normal.

“The funds were subsequently lodged into the State’s FCMB Account less than 24 hours to hand over. However, Eleven (11) hours to his departure, the immediate past Governor approved the payment of the whole sum of 11,7billion Naira to cronies as contractors.

“Sen. Bala Mohammed, then an incoming Governor reached out to the EFCC who effectively blocked the Account and ensured the full recovery of the entire amount.

“The immediate past Governor will go down in History as the most preferred nominee in Guinness Book of Records for the most financially reckless and profligate Governor.

“The Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed expresses appreciation to and commend EFCC, expresses appreciation to Gombe Zonal office for their timely intervention which ensured full recovery of the funds, thereby saving the Administration and the State from the vagaries of a financially reckless Administration of Governor M.A Abubakar.”

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Former acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Calistus Obi, has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the federal high court in Lagos, who handed down the judgement on Monday, however, gave him the option of paying a N42 million fine.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had dragged Obi to court on a seven count charge bordering on fraud amounting to about N136 million.

He was charged alongside Alu Dismass a former aide of another NIMASA former Director-General, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Also charged were two companies, Grand Pact Ltd. and Global Seal Investment Ltd. as third and fourth defendants.

On May 23, the court convicted the defendants after finding them guilty of most of the allegations against them.

At one of the court sittings, Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecuting counsel, had urged the court to impose the maximum punishment of 14 years imprisonment on Obi.

However, delivering the sentence, Olatoregun acknowledged that the prisons were congested and not conducive, necessitating consideration of a non-custodian sentence, but held that punishments were necessary to serve as deterrent to others and therefore, sentenced the convicts to seven years imprisonment with an option of N42 million fine.

She ordered the companies to pay a fine of 10 million each on count five but made no forfeiture orders against them.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/03/sanwo-olu-seeks-religious-leaders-support-promises-fairness-to-all/

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, on Sunday restated the commitment of his administration to serve the people and be fair to all, irrespective of their religion, tribe or party affiliation.

He also used the opportunity to plead with religious leaders to support his administration and propagate the government’s programmes.

Speaking at a special inauguration thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, the governor stated that since the people of the state had spoken through their votes, he and his deputy had no choice, but to serve them without fear or favour and make life worth living for every resident.

He expressed appreciation to the people for their prayers and for coming out en masse to rejoice with them at the event, saying, “We are humbled this morning because we are not the best but God has chosen us.

“We want to assure you that we would not serve only the party, but all the residents of the state. We said it at the inauguration, our government will be for all. We will serve and be a blessing to you.”

He urged the religious leaders to remember them in their prayers always to ensure the success of the administration.

"I would also implore our clerics to always remember us in prayer as we go along the journey while I restate that our government will be government of all," he said,

The governor reiterated that religious leaders play crucial role in information dissemination, following the strong belief that the followers have in them and therefore urged them to assist his administration by using their various platforms to pass information on government programmes and policies.

"As I said earlier, I would not but seek your support on propagation of our programmes and policies, especially on traffic and waste management and zero tolerance for wastes all over the state.

"We know that if we do well in traffic management and waste management, our state will be better health wise," Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor announced that work would commence immediately on the repair of bad roads across the state as contained in the newly signed Executive Order on Waste Management, Traffic Matters and Sanitation.

In his sermon titled: "Righteousness in Governance", Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji, Bishop of Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, urged the governor and his cabinet to ensure absolute loyalty and obedience to God, stressing that there would never be righteousness in governance if God was not enthroned.

He urged the governor to be firm in decision making, fair in governance and friendly, reminding him that he is not only responsible to the people, but accountable to God.

"You are responsible to the people and accountable to God, but bear in mind that your election is for a purpose. Nobody reigns forever. Surround yourself with Godly and responsible people," he said.

The Bishop, however, appealed to the people of the state, especially party leaders, family members and friends not to put unnecessary demand and pressure on the governor and his cabinet, but rather support them through good advice and prayers.

Prayers were offered during the service for the success of the administration, peace in Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general.

Also in attendance at the service organised by the Ministry of Special Duties, were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, wives of the governor and the deputy, newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folasade Jaji and her husband, the Chief of Staff (CoS), Mr. Ayinde, the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, top party leaders and government officials.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/03/160th-founders-day-cms-grammar-school-exhibits-portraits-of-alumni/

Over 30 portraits of the alumni of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, were exhibited in the college on Sunday in commemoration of the upcoming 160th Founder’s Day of the school.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the exhibition was initiated by Dr. Patrick Okpah, an old boy of the school and President, Pat Kairos Group.
The theme of the exhibition was: “Portraits of Grammarians in Global Development.’’
The portraits exhibited included members of the Old Grammarians Society, OGS, of the school who ranked among the best in the world and have pioneered different fields of human endeavour in Nigeria.

They are: Mr. Akintola Williams, Prof. Ade Elebute, Sir Adeyemi Lawson, Bishop George Bako, Chief G.O.K, Ajayi, High Chief Akin Disu, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Prof. Deji Femi-Pearse, Chief Shotayo Shopeju, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Pa. J. Shodimu, and Bishop Samuel Ajani.

Others are Prof. Babatunde A. Fafunwa, Mr. Ola Vincent, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, Mr. Modupe Alakija, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, Sen. Akin Odunsi, Prof. F.E.A Lesi, Prof. A.B Sofoluwe, Dr. Charles Akintoye, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa and Dr Abayomi Ajayi.

It also included Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo, Mr. Toyin Akin-Johnson, Retired Maj.-Gen V.B Williams, Prince Dapo Adelegan and Mr. Funmi Onabolu.

Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Dean, School of Arts, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology, said that the theme of the exhibition sought to celebrate a solid heritage per excellence, expressed in various glorification of distinguished net- worth grammarians.

Adeyemi, who was the guest lecturer at the event, noted that progressive learning experience had shown that many private organisations and initiatives are gradually emerging to promote and empower visual and creative minds in Nigeria.

He said specific objectives as such, would serve as an avenue to communicate the values of hard work and importance of education in tackling ignorance and idleness with its attendant vices.

“This empowerment ensures self-determination and sustenance which assures wealth creation and progressively guarantee significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of any nation,’’ he said.

Adeyemi, however, felicitated with the authorities of CMS Grammar School and its grammarians, being the oldest secondary school in Nigeria on the occasion of its 160th Founder’s Day celebration.

Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, described the presentation as a fantastic way of showcasing arts and the abilities of Nigerians.
Ogundipe, who was also the special guest of honour at the event, said the exhibition supported his belief that Nigerians were talented, skilful and with enormous potential.

“Look at the portraits produced by the students at their age. It is very commendable,’’ he said.

NAN also reports that activities to mark the school’s 160th Founder’s Day would span through June 3 to July 14 at various chapters of the OGS which include; Ibadan, Abuja, UK, and the U.S. on different dates.

The activities are: career talk, free medical check-up, speech and prize-giving day, students’ feast, novelty match, thanksgiving service, dedication of school projects, Annual General Meeting, fund raising dinner, among others.

The theme of the Founder’s Day celebration is: “The First and The Greatest,” while projects and items worth over N20 million, donated by the OGS, had been scheduled for inauguration on June 7.

CMS Grammar School was founded by Thomas Macaulay on June 6, 1859 and began in a small one storey building at Cotton Warehouse on Broad St, Lagos.
The school moved to its present site in Bariga, Lagos in 1959 during the tenure of Rev. Canon Adelaja as Principal.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/03/ortom-not-against-lg-autonomy-akase/

The Chief Press Secretary to Benue state Gov. Samuel Ortom, Terver Akase, has debunked media reports suggesting that his principal is against local government autonomy.

Akase, who made the clarification in a statement on Sunday, explained that Ortom is one of the governors who supported constitutional amendment granting local governments autonomy.

He said, "We wish to make it clear that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is not against local government autonomy as is being reported in a section of the media."

Akase recalled that the Governor's stand prompted the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, to give him an award in Abuja last year.

"The headlines in some newspapers indicating that Governor Ortom is opposed to local government autonomy are therefore, misleading and mischievous," he said.

Recently, the Governor, while interacting with journalists in Makurdi, frowned at the statement credited to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, which tended to describe state governors as fraudsters who divert local government funds for personal use.

Ortom had taken exception to such sweeping incriminating comments by NFIU, which indicted all governors, and he demanded an apology.

He had declared that “I have never touched one kobo of local government funds so it’s an insult for NFIU to refer to all governors as corrupts. So they have to apologise to me."

Akase said Benue State under Gov. Ortom is already practising local government autonomy. "Council Chairmen in the state are directly responsible for the payment of workers' salaries and general running of administration in their areas.

"The decision to allow local governments to manage their affairs is a key element of Gov. Ortom's policy on transparency and accountability.

"The Governor does not interfere with local government funds and therefore has no reason to oppose any move to grant full autonomy to the councils.

"Governor Ortom, will, however, not allow any agency of the government to go out of its constitutional mandate to create the impression that he tampers with council funds," the statement said.

Akase, insisted that the Governor believes in the rule of law and wishes that the provisions of the Constitution of the country be applied as they relate to the three tiers of government.

Oshiomhole’s ‘Agbero’ Style of Leadership Responsible for APC’s Problems - Odigie-Oyegun

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/03/oshiomhole-agbero-style-of-leadership-responsible-for-apc-problems-odigie-oyegun/

Breaking: Champions League Final: Liverpool Beat Tottenham 2-0 to Emerge Champions

DETAILS(> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/01/breaking-champions-league-final-liverpool-beat-tottenham-2-0-to-emerge-champions

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/01/gov-fayemi-to-inaugurate-ekiti-6th-assembly-on-june-6/


The Ekiti Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi will on Thursday, June 6, inaugurate the state’s sixth Assembly in Ado-Ekiti.

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Tola Esan, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday.

According to him, this proclamation by the governor signifies the inauguration of the sixth Assembly.

READ ALSO: Lack of Education, Poverty, Driving Illegal Migration

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the ceremony will be held at the Main Chamber of the Assembly at 10 a. m.

Esan urged members of the State Executive Council, religious and traditional rulers as well as the general public to be part of the occasion.

NAN reports that the All Progressives Congress, APC, won all the 26 seats in Ekiti Assembly.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/01/unlawful-procession-police-arrest-12-shiites-in-kaduna/

Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested no fewer than 12 members of the Shia Islam in Nigeria, for allegedly staging unlawful procession in Kaduna.

The Command Public Relation Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo who revealed this on Friday said that the suspects conducted the act in spite of total ban on public procession imposed by the Kaduna State Government.

According to Sabo, the alleged illegal action took place at about 2:30pm along the Central Area of Kaduna metropolis.

“The command mobilized operatives to disperse the unlawful assembly; however, on sighting the police, they instantly became riotous and started pelting the security agents with catapults, using some sharp lethal iron bolts to attack our operatives.

“This gives the impression that the procession was planned to be violent from the onset. The police succeeded in dispersing the group and have arrested about a dozen who are now being investigated by the security operatives.

“We have maintained normalcy and will not allow any person or group of persons to take the law into their hands,” he said.

He said that the Kaduna state government had proscribed the organisation; as such “it is the responsibility of police as an enforcement agency to ensure compliance in accordance with the extant laws.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/31/i-plan-to-be-best-deputy-governor-in-lagos-state-hamzat/

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, says he plans to be the best deputy governor ever in the state, by working in synergy with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to better the lives of citizens.

Hamzat spoke on Friday, at a meeting with the staff of the Office of the Deputy Governor, ODG, at Alausa, Ikeja.

According to him, he and Gov. Sanwo-Olu are familiar with the state, the civil servants, where the food is and what to prepare for the people, and have no excuse but to do what is right.

“It worries me that the life span of a typical Nigerian is below required standard: men – 46, women -49, which means we are doing something wrong.

“Our health system is bad, our environment is horrible and everything is going down the drains.

“This is why our project THEMES are hinged on Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, as well as Security and Governance.

“We owe it to God and to our children to build this land, so that our children can be proud of our country and stop running to other countries for greener pastures, so they can sustain us when we are old.

“I urge our civil servants to be the best in whatever they do. I plan to be the best deputy governor ever in this state, so that together, we can transform Lagos State to better our citizens,” he said.

Hamzat said the yearly budget of the state was still just a scratch in the surface.

“Our budget in Lagos State is less than 3billion dollars, the fire department of the New York City spends 2.8 billion dollars, just a city.

The NYPD, Police, spent 6 billion dollars in 2018, twice the budget of our state.

“Which means we have just scratched the surface. A lot needs to be done because many people will keep coming to Lagos, and whatever we are doing, we must do it in three folds.

“We will work together as a government and as a people to resolve the challenges that face us as a state, to help businesses operate better, create jobs for our teeming youths and grow our economy,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, described Hamzat as a diligent and hardworking man who had served the state in different capacities.

According to her, he knows the state so much and will make meaningful impact during his administration.

“Gov. Sanwo-Olu and his deputy are the right pegs in the right holes.

“We the staff of your office are ready to assist and work with you in any capacity to make your administration a smooth one,” she said.

Hamzat on Thursday resumed duty officially at the State secretariat in Alausa along with Gov. Sanwo-Olu.

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over alleged plans aimed at linking him to criminal activities in the near future.

Atiku raised the alarm in a statement issued by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, there were plans to plant stories in “some mushroom media outlets” with the intention of discrediting Atiku and the PDP.

The Statement reads thus:

“We wish to blow the whistle as an early-warning alert of the grandiose scheme being put together by some unscrupulous elements aimed at jeopardising the reputation of His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, in the coming days and weeks,” the statement read.

“By the merit of what is beginning to unfold, there are plans to create some upsets across the country whereby alleged perpetrators of such crimes will engage in phantom names-dropping of Atiku Abubakar and some senior personalities in the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Already, we are abreast of some other plans to plant fictitious stories in some mushroom media outlets aimed at discrediting Atiku and his political party, the PDP.

“It, therefore, becomes preponderant that we alert the public of this demonic plan and to say that it will be imprudent to compromise the peace and security of Nigerians in order to score a cheap political goal.

“Towards this end, and for the umpteenth time, we call on the Federal Government to be awake to its responsibilities of providing security and ensuring peace, and to desist from actions and utterances that are capable of exposing our fault lines.

“It is very unsettling that senior administration officials, especially those who are the mouthpiece of government will make reckless but calculated comments to tarnish the image of Atiku Abubakar and government will sit idly on it.

“With the conclusion reached by relevant security outfits that there is no evidentiary proof to back the claim by Lai Mohammed that the opposition was planning to upstage the government, we demand that the information minister should be arrested for a breach of security and an apology rendered to Atiku Abubakar and the PDP.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/24/atiku-raises-alarm-over-plans-to-link-him-to-crime/

Decision of the President of Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, to step-down from presiding over the petition challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the 2019 presidential poll must have calmed the storm, which her position as the Chairman of the tribunal generated.

Regardless of Wednesday’s ruling that favoured her to remain the Chairman of the Presidential Election Appeal Panel, Bulkachuwa, disqualified herself from the panel, citing personal reason.

Her resignation, according to some political watchers, has renewed the confidence of many Nigerians in the nation’s judiciary as unprejudiced arbiter and the last hope of the common man.

Prior to Bulkachuwa’s resignation, criticisms had trailed her position in the panel. There were also apprehensions that the tribunal under her leadership may be partial in deciding the case involving a political party on which platform her husband is a senator-elect.

Some eminent citizens who shared their views with The Next Edition on the moral implication of Bulkachuwa’s membership of the tribunal were former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa; clergyman, publisher and public affairs analyst, Archbishop Chukwuereka Iheanachor; legal practitioner, Mr. Goddy Uwazurike ; a presidential candidate in the 2019 elections, Mr. Chuks Nwachukwu and Human rights group, intersociety.
Their separate reactions came before Bulkachuwa’s eventual resignation from the panel on Wednesday.

Musa regretted that the judicial process and nation’s democracy have become so partisan that the voters no longer have a say in the voting process.

He said, “Everything about Nigeria’s politics and election is partisan because what is happening is unavoidable. As long as there is no credible election in which the citizens are allowed to choose the winner, such things will continue to happen, things may even get worse. Our election is not the kind of election that the voters were allowed to decide the winner.

“Since voters were not allowed to decide the outcome. Such a thing is bound to happen. It is the power of money that decides the outcome of most elections in Nigeria.”

Iheanachor, argued that it will be against natural justice if Bulkachuwa failed to disqualify herself from the tribunal.
“The natural thing to do if we still have conscience in this country is for her to resign her membership of the panel. It is not possible for her not to be partial, the fact that her husband is a senator-elect on the platform of APC and her son a member of the ruling party, it is very difficult for her to be neutral in the matter.

“It is the part of the original game plan to perpetuate this government in power with the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen . It will take divine intervention for the judiciary to redeem itself. The soul of the judiciary has been captured; I don’t see them delivering to Nigerians the justice they deserve. We should be praying for divine intervention because the judiciary may not redeem itself. When the soul is taken, the body is there just as a decoration.”

Uwazurike, on his part said, “As a lawyer, I know that a judge recuses himself from any case where there is a likelihood of bias arising from family, business, social and even a professional relationship. Can anyone think that the judge was free and fair in a case such as above? I think not because justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done.

“Where this judge refuses the request to recuse herself, then the credibility of the judgment will be in issue. The Supreme Court will certainly look with suspicion that justice has been compromised. The public will not be persuaded that justice has been done. Already, the re-election has been dubbed ‘the stolen mandate.’

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal scenario is most likely going to be replicated here. So the court may throw out the motion and hear the petition. But the Court of Appeal will now be on trial. But I fear the destruction of our integrity.”

Similarly, Nwachukwu said, “She would be doing what is most abhorred in the administration of justice-making reasonable people doubt that justice has been done by reason of the reasonable perceived interest of the adjudicator in the outcome of the adjudication, which is otherwise known as bias.

“She would be enveloping the judgment of the tribunal in controversy and contempt if it goes against Atiku. She ought to recuse herself from the proceeding. That is her burden duty to justice”

International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Intersociety, a human rights group, had last week pleaded for the preservation of the sanctity of the Nigerian judiciary and warned that the Judiciary must not be allowed to descend to the judiciary of a militia state.

Intersociety faulted the appointment, the legal and moral consequences of allowing the President of the Court of Appeal, as determiner of the 2019 Presidential Poll Tribunal.

The group said if these were allowed, then justice in the instant case is not only already murdered but also seen to be murdered before its official pronouncement.

In a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi Board Chairman; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law; Chinwe Umeche, Head, Democracy & Good Governance; Chidinma Evan Udegbunam, Head, Campaign & Publicity Department, the group called for fairness in the country’s judiciary process.

“Let the other side be heard with full ingredients of fair hearing and fair proceedings to the parties in the tribunal particularly the plaintiffs. The unyielding of Bulkachuwa in refusing to disqualify herself from the instant case because of a potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality is not only a clear testament of self moral damnation, but also shows that the matter in question is already determined with buying time or camouflaging proceedings.

“From our thorough ransacking of the 320 sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended and 158 main sections of the Electoral Act of 2010 as amended as well as its 55 sub sections in its First Schedule (Rules of Procedure for Election Petitions), it has been strongly found and established that Hon Justice Zainab Adamu-Bulkachuwa has no business whatsoever sitting in the 2019 Presidential Election Tribunal as a member or as presiding judge. She is also morally forbidden from doing so.”

Now that the President of the Court of Appeal has bowed out of the tribunal, what comes next? Political watchers have eulogized Bulkachuwa for her action, saying that it takes courage to listen to the voice of reason and do the needful as she has done.

Her stepping-aside has reinforced the belief on the neutrality of the judiciary. It is also a step on the path to self-discovery.

Analysts argue that Bulkachuwa’s action has set the tone for the restoration of the independence of the nation’s judiciary. But her action will continue to elicit debate among stakeholders from both sides of the aisle.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/analysis-bulkachuwa-resignation-and-nations-judiciary/

Respite will soon come the way of troubled communities in Benue State as the Police Command has flagged off “Operation Puff Adder” in the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Mukaddas Garba, while launching the operation in Makurdi on Wednesday, said the aim was to curb the rising wave of criminal activities in the state.

He said the launching was in continuation of efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to speedily bring to an end the current internal security challenges being experienced in some parts of the country including Benue State.

“To bring to an end the current internal security challenges being experienced in some parts of the country including Benue state, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammad Adamu, has employed so many measures to curb the rising wave of criminal activities in the country.

He said one of them was the launching of a robust security action plan tagged “OPERATION PUFF ADDER” on April 5, 2019, at Katar Bishin District; Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. He equally directed that the Operation be implemented in all States.

The CP noted that “Operation Puff Adder” would deploy well-trained and equipped personnel to strategic areas for prevention and quick response to situations that may arise.

“The Operation is also targeted at identifying, locating and dismantling kidnapping gangs across the state and bringing the kidnappers and their collaborators to justice,” CP said.

The Police Commissioner who resumed duties in Benue recently appealed to stakeholders and the good people of Benue State to cooperate with the officers employed to their communities to ensure success of the operation.

He particularly stated that the Sankara axis bedevilled by criminal elements would witness heavy deployment of the special team.

The Ter Makurdi, Sule Abenga, assured the Commissioner of the co-operation of the traditional institution to enable security agencies rid the state of criminal elements.

The representative of the Security Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Paul Hembah, commended the efforts of the police and assured of government support to the operation.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/police-launches-operation-puff-adder-in-benue/

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, says scanners at some Nigerian Airports are not working optimally.

The Senior Special Assistant made this known before the Ad- hoc Committee set up by the Senate to look into circumstances that led to the arrest of Zainab Aliyu in Saudi Arabia in Dec. 2018, over planting of a banned drug, Tramadol, in her luggage.

The committee was headed by Sen. Kabiru Gaya, APC-Kano.

Dabiri-Erewa who is also Chairman designate, of Nigeria Diaspora Commission, NDC, alleged that some foreign airlines were running drug cartels in connivance with some Nigerians at international airports across the country.

“They operate alongside local collaborators. It is not Air Peace, not Arik Air.” she said.

Meanwhile, the Airport Chief of Security of the Federal Airport Authority, FAAN, Mr. El-Yakub Lamir, disclosed that scanners at the Aminu Kano International Airport in particular, were not configured to detect drugs.

He said that there were 15 security agents involved in checking luggages at the point of entry and exit but that they had been reduced in number due to public complaints.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Gaya, charged the officials of NDLEA to increase the number of sniffer dogs in all the international Airports across the country to a significant figure to help detect drugs.

He further called on officials of FAAN to upgrade the scanner at the airports to detect drugs.

He commended Zainab’s father for providing information on her arrest.

He assured that as soon as the Committee was done with its investigations, it would submit a report to the Senate before the end of the 8th National Assembly.

The Senate had mandated the adhoc Committee to investigate alleged planting of banned drug in one Zainab Aliyu and Mr. Ibrahim Abubakar’ s bags, which led to their arrests in Saudi Arabia, where she was detained for four months.

They were both released when the Nigerian Government was able to establish that the drugs were planted in their bags by some drug cartel at the Aminu Kano International Airport where they boarded for Saudi Arabia.

Zainab Aliyu, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, and Ibrahim Abubakar, were arrested in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking.

Aliyu was arrested in December 2018 at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/drug-trafficking-airport-scanners-not-functioning-optimally-dabiri-erewa/

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, has finally bowed to pressure, recusing herself as Chairman of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its presidential candidate in the February 23 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, who are challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari winner of the election, had raised a likelihood of bias against her.

The party had argued that being the wife and mother of card carrying members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, she was likely to be biased against them.

After taking arguments on PDP’s objection to her presiding over the tribunal earlier on Wednesday, the panel rose for a ruling on the matter.

When the panel reconvened, four members of the panel dismissed PDP’s application, saying it lacked merit.

Delivering the lead ruling on the application, Justice Peter Ige, said the party had not presented enough materials before the court to show that Justice Bulkachuwa would be biased in the hearing and the decisions on the petition.

He held that the fact that she was married to a Senator-elect who along with her son are in the APC will not make any room for bias in the case.

Justice Ige, in conclusion said that the petitioners have not satisfied the requirements for the president of the tribunal to recuse herself and dismissed the application.

Though Justice Bulkachuwa agreed with the lead judgment, she however, informed the Tribunal that said she was stepping aside on moral grounds.

She said that she had wanted the matter to be heard by the full court so that no other female judge will face the same thing she faced in future.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/presidential-election-tribunal-bulkachuwa-finally-bows-out/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has charged the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, to apologize to Nigerians for his misleading statements and allegations against the PDP and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The PDP stated this in a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

The PDP said the allegations were not only misleading the nation but also heating up the polity as they were unfounded.

The party said that with the assurances on Monday, that the nation was safe for the Presidential inauguration, Mohammed had further exposed the fact that he, acting for the Federal Government, only conjured claims to create the impression that the PDP and Atiku Abubakar had set security breaches against the Presidential inauguration.

“It is, indeed, lamentable that in its desperation to secure acceptance from Nigerians and confer legitimacy to the outcome of a rigged election, the Buhari administration would manufacture and purvey fake news to the public, only for Nigerians to learn from the same Minister, that his earlier claims against the PDP and Mr. Atiku (Abubakar) were not based on any concrete evidence but, on having “no reasons to doubt” claims by other individuals.”

The statement further read, “Moreover, the Minister’s claims that he relied on certain alarms fell flat as no agency in the country had ever accused the PDP, as a political party, or our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of ‘doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable’ as claimed by Lai Mohammed.

“It is now clear that the whole essence of the misleading allegation was to heat up the system, attempt to cow democratic voices, divert public discourse from the rigging of the Presidential election and scare the PDP and our Presidential candidate from pursuing our stolen Presidential mandate at the court.

“We also have fears that Alhaji Lai Mohammed could have made those wild claims in a bid to pave the way to frame, harass, arrest and detain some opposition figures on trump-up charges.”

The party stated that such antics would not work as Nigerians have seen through them and are resolute, behind Atiku Abubakar, in the determination to retrieve his mandate in the court.

“No form of blackmail and intimidation will distract the people from that resolve.

“By his fabricated claims, the Information Minister only succeeded in further de-marketing our dear nation in the international arena, causing more damage to investors’ confidence in our system and exposing this administration as purveyor of fake news.”

The PDP, therefore, invited Lai Mohammed to apologize to the nation and desist from such acts of incitement for the peace and security of Nigeria.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/23/security-allegations-apologize-to-nigerians-pdp-tells-lai-mohammed/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, of being a hypocrite, driven by “selfish pecuniary interests.”

It also accused him of currying favour from President Muhammadu Buhari by insulting the party.

The PDP insisted that Tinubu had nothing to offer towards the improvement of the country and its citizens.

The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday said Tinubu, by travelling all the way to Mecca, at this period of Ramadan, just to engage in “gossips, invective and diatribes against the PDP, had further shown that he had nothing to contribute towards the development of the nation.”

The statement said further: “It is atrocious that at the time other leaders are in the Holy Land offering prayers and supplications for our nation, Asiwaju Tinubu is in Mecca for photo-ops, playing dirty politics and hauling insults at other Nigerians just to curry relevance before President Buhari.

“The party notes that nothing but sheer hypocrisy would push Asiwaju Tinubu to engage in unholy praises of a failed administration in a desperation to avert the purported threats by certain agents of the Buhari Presidency to expose him.

“This is the same Asiwaju Tinubu, who, in January 2018, at the 15th Annual Daily Trust Dialogue, berated the Buhari administration for its nepotism, incompetence, corrupt oil subsidy regime; blaming it for the high-level poverty in our country and counselled Nigerians to be guided by their conscience in electing leaders in the 2019 general elections. Asiwaju, in criticizing the Buhari administration held rightly that ‘too much political and economic power resides in the hands of too few. This result in a society described by too much of unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, too little food, yet too much poverty.”

“He then added correctly that under President Buhari, ‘rather than becoming a joyous nation, Nigeria has become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted.’”

The party warned the former Governor of Lagos to call himself to order, “particularly as Nigerians, including members of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, have seen through his power-grabbing antics and are now determined to give him the back seat treatment.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/22/tinubu-driven-by-hypocrisy-selfishness-pdp/

Ahead of Wednesday’s sitting of the Presidential Election Tribunal hearing the case of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Court of Appeal, the FCT Police Command has announced strict security measures.

A statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said there would be diversion of traffic at Goodluck Ebele way and Shehu Shagari Way.

While apologising for the inconveniences the arrangement might cause, the Command noted that it was part of proactive measures to beef up security at the venue and forestall any act that could disrupt the Tribunal’s sitting and result in the breakdown of law and order; especially clash between supporters of both parties.

“In view of this development, members of the public are advised to use alternative routes to their destinations on Wednesday.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory”, the statement said.


https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/21/presidential-election-tribunal-heavy-security-ahead-of-wednesdays-sitting/

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has described the new guidelines for accreditation of media organisations and journalists to cover the 9th National Assembly as anti-press and anti-people.

It, therefore, rejected the guidelines in their entirety.

The Body of Editors in a statement by its General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe, said the move by the National Assembly was “an infringement on press freedom, primitive, undemocratic and blatantly anti-press and anti-people.”

The 20-point guideline issued by the management of NASS on Monday is due to come into effect on June 11, 2019.

The guidelines, which have been described as ‘draconian, ‘satanic’ and an attempt to gag the media, demand, among others, that journalists seeking to cover the activities of the legislators must bring their companies certificate of incorporation, tax returns, evidence of membership of professional bodies and their letters of employment.

The statement by the Guild read in part: “The Guild, however, finds this vexatious, disrespectful and draconian. It is a scurrilous attempt to gag the press in a democracy and it cannot stand.

“These guidelines run contrary to the grains of reason, democratic ideals and they are a clear affront on the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers journalists to freely practice their profession without any gag, muzzling and restriction.

“The NASS guidelines negate the Constitutional principle of freedom of expression and run contrary to the African Charter on fundamental rights and the right of the people to know.

“The Guild strongly objects to these guidelines in their entirety as they serve no public good except the myopic interest of its chroniclers and purveyors.

“The Guild is disappointed that the same 8th National Assembly, which benefited immensely from free press in its moments of trial has turned around to put the same press in shackles and chains.

“We reject this crude abrasion of our Constitutional rights to freely disseminate information. It cannot stand.”

It, therefore, urged all media houses to reject the infringement on the nation’s media who fought for restoration of democracy in the nation.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/21/nass-coverage-nge-rejects-new-guidelines-as-serap-threatens-legal-action-against-nass-leadership/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/18/fg-has-credible-evidence-of-planned-sabotage-by-pdp-mohammed/

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Saturday, said the Federal Government had cogent proof that the opposition was planning to “sabotage the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, generally overheat the polity and make the country ungovernable.”

The Minister, speaking at the 2019 edition of his Annual Ramadan Lecture held at his home town, Oro, Kwara State, noted that no government with the kind of evidence at the disposal of the federal government of what the opposition was planning, would keep quiet.

“As you are aware, a few days ago, we raised the alarm that either by themselves or via their proxies, the PDP and its presidential candidate are doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration.

“Our interventions are based on credible evidence and no government with the kind of evidence that we have, of plans to subvert the power of the state, attack the nation’s economic live wire and generally unleash mayhem on the polity, will keep quiet.

“The security agencies are all alert to their responsibilities and will not sit by and allow anyone to reverse the gains of our democracy under any guise,” he said.

Mohammed noted that some of the security arms of the government – the police, the military and the DSS had raised similar alarm as the federal government.

He stressed that the government would neither be distracted nor dissuaded by people who had teamed up with the opposition to “either exhibit their ignorance or to engage in red herring and name calling.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Ramadan to pray for peace, unity and stability in the country.

He said; “I make this request against the background of those who are daily plotting to exploit our national fault lines of religion and ethnicity.

“Those who masquerade as democrats but can’t take electoral defeat, those who will not hesitate to collude with anti-democratic forces and deadenders to fan the embers of violence in the country.

“Those who have elevated their personal ambition over and above our survival as a nation.”

The minister thanked all Nigerians for their support and prayers for the Administration, and urged them not to relent, especially in the run up to the May 29 inauguration of the President.

In attendance at the 12th edition of the annual Ramadan lecture were Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, political chieftains, traditional rulers, clergy men, Muslim and Christian faithful.

The Ramadan lecture was delivered by the Chief Imam of Olorunsogo Central Mosque, Ilorin, Imam Soliu Orire.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/17/police-arrest-93-suspected-kidnappers/


The Police said they have arrested 93 suspected kidnappers in different parts of North-East, North-Central and North-West Zones of the country.

A statement signed and issued by the Force spokesman and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that “one rocket launcher, 35 AK47 rifles,10 locally-made AK47 rifles and 500 live ammunition, eight locally-made revolver pistols, 10 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, two operational vehicles” and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects.

They were arrested by a joint team of police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, North-Central sector.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/exclusive-senior-military-officer-murdered-inside-armed-forces-staff-college-jaji/


A senior naval officer, Solomon Derikoma, is reportedly murdered in his room at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, The NEXT EDITION can authoritatively report.

The facility is one of Africa’s foremost military training institutions and accommodates foreign nationals.

Mr. Derikoma, a Lieutenant Commander with the Nigerian Navy, was found dead inside his flat located on Block 26 of the college on Sunday morning.

The deceased officer’s number is NN/2852 and was a member of the 53rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He was an indigene of Rivers State.

This newspaper learnt the senior military officer and his colleagues were billed to go on Africa study tour the same day his remains were found locked up in his room.

A top security source, who pleaded not to be named because she is not authorised to speak on the matter said members of the study team had gathered in preparation for their departure when it was found that Mr. Derikoma was absent.

“After waiting for a while, some of his colleagues went to his room but found a padlock on the door.

“It was as if there was nobody in the room and nobody seemed to have when he left. At that point, the padlock was broken and the door opened just to find him lying in a pool of blood with a stone by his side.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/special-interview-why-i-document-nigeria-through-photographs-films-books-fiofori/


Excerpt: Septuagenarian photographer, filmmaker and writer, Uncle Tam Fiofori, has been in the business for over five decades. In this interview, he speaks about his latest book on Sun Ra, documentary films on three artists as well as plans for an exhibition.

It is 40 years of your photo book, ‘1979’ about the 1979 presidential campaign, do you have any nostalgia in the light of the recent presidential election?

1979 was a significant and iconic year for me as a photojournalist. I covered the coronation of Oba Erediauwa as the 38th Oba of Benin in March. Then, I covered the campaigns for the presidential election that featured founding fathers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and then people like Shehu Shagari. I did not go up to the North to cover Aminu Kano and the apostle of politics without bitterness, Ibrahim Waziri.

The photograph I have of Chief Awolowo taken in July 1979, on the last day of campaign for the presidential election, shows him on the podium, with the slogan ‘A man with a vision blessed with a mission’. Chief Awolowo is reading from a 12-page manifesto, and I also have photographs of the crowd responding to him with the famous V- sign of the Unity Party of Nigeria every time he made a point. In other words, he carried out a norm in political campaigning; he presented a manifesto to the electorate. It was not just sloganeering. This was a political icon who read a 12-page manifesto that covered what he intended to do if elected. He had enough respect for the electorate to present a programme.

In that same year, I documented Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe who had a challenge when the electoral body accused him of not paying tax, and he was on the verge of being disqualified. He gave a World Press conference where he read out a prepared statement defending himself. He talked about the tax he paid on even his shares. What I’m saying is that politicians had a sense of responsibility. So, 40 years after, we just had an election filled with sheer sloganeering.

Those photographs for me in reflection – because photos give you a sense of history and culture-prove that we have retrogressed in terms of political campaigning, the responsibility of so-called people who want to lead us and the fact that the electorate is not aware of what campaigning should be. I’m very proud of those photographs, and they are like in your face to remind you of what you have lost.

So, are you planning to re-issue the book or have another exhibition?

I plan, with the help of sponsorship and other means, to hold another exhibition which I am tentatively addressing as ‘40 Years: Before and After’. Also, in that series, there’s a photograph showing Shagari sitting at the old domestic airport. What those photographs show is the intimate connection between the politician and the people.


I could go and photograph the Great Awo, the Great Zik very closely. There were no people with koboko whipping me, and so-called security men smashing cameras. I remember very vividly when I went to photograph Shehu Shagari, he was sitting on an old chair outside the local airport, smoking a cigarette. When I approached him, Umaru Dikko who was sitting next to him was not too friendly. I looked at Shagari, he just nodded, and I took a photograph of him. The politicians of those days had a connect with the people.

Not only is it bad enough that they don’t have a programme, but they have also isolated themselves. At the end of the day, what do they have to offer? Forty years after, UPN had a programme. Awo was there propagating their programme. NPN had a plan; what programme do these people have? What’s the difference between APC and PDP? Politics has become a game of power-hungry people congregating. Those are the things I think those photographs remind us of.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/i-didnt-slump-in-delta-gowon/


Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on Sunday denied slumping in Delta State saying the recent media reports to that effect were untrue.

Gowon said this during a thanksgiving service for the 32nd annual Fresh Fire Convention of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries and the dedication of its Bethel Prayer Suites, Retreat and Conference Centre, at The Chapel of Light, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State.

There had been media reports that Gowon slumped during the funeral of a former Military Governor of the defunct Midwest Region, late Maj. Gen. David Ejoor, in Delta State on May 3.

Secretary of the Christian group, Nigeria Prays, which Gowon chairs, Austen Kemie, who represented the elder statesman at the event said, “I am representing General Gowon at this gathering. He said he did not slump as reported in the news few days ago. Though he is 85 years old, he is still waxing stronger and stronger. But, the false news went all over the world.

“He (Gowon) said calls were coming to him from Canada, America, United Kingdom and other countries of the world on the news that he slumped. He asked me when we spoke if I could see how strong he was. He said he could walk 10 miles.”

Gowon in a letter to GPMI congratulated the church on its achievements and regretted his inability to be part of the convention due to other engagements.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/cbn-denies-allegations-of-missing-stolen-n500bn/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has denied any cover-up of an alleged business worth N500 billion which went bad.

The apex bank released a statement on Sunday denying the allegation following the publication of a leaked audio by an online news platform of a purported conversation between the Governor of the Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; a Deputy Governor, Mr. Edward Adamu; a Director of Finance, Mr. Dayo Arowosegbe; and one of his Special Advisers, Mr. Emmanuel Ukeji concerning an alleged business worth N500 billion that went awry.

The statement signed by Mr. Isaac Okorafor said nothing of such happened.

The statement read: “Contrary to the headline-grabbing narrative that the discussion was about a fraudulent transaction, this conversation, the beginnings of which was omitted to create a different impression, was simply to proffer solutions to a misunderstanding that affected the bank’s balance sheet.

“As publicly known, the CBN was approached in 2015 by the National Economic Management Team and the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, to assist State Governments with Conditional Budget Support, in the aftermath of the significant nose-dive in global oil prices and associated FAAC allocations.

“In order to ensure that ordinary Nigerians workers got their salaries, pensions and gratuities, and that the economy continued to recover from recession, the bank provided about N650 billion in loans at 9% with a two-year grace period to 35 States of the Federation.

“These monies were distributed to the States monthly with documented approval of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Presidency.

“In closing the bank’s 2018 accounts, external auditors in their Draft Account, erroneously classified about N150 billion of these loans as bad, which negatively affected the bank’s Balance Sheet and shareholders fund.

“The selective conversation being circulated was simply a discussion to ascertain why the auditors took that position and next steps to resolving it.

“Obviously, it soon became clear that a State Government loan cannot be classified as “bad” or “irrecoverable” when the State still exists and getting FAAC allocations. The bank then reached out to the Federal Ministry of Finance and they jointly gave comfort to the auditors who accepted in writing that these monies would be repaid.

“On this basis, the auditors reversed the negative entry and the certified that the CBN’s 2018 accounts were a true reflection of the State of Affairs.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/13/well-deal-with-amcon-debtors-fg/


The Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has said the Federal Government will use some individuals and organisations on the list of high-profile obligors of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), as example to others to deter others from owing.

He said the federal government would stop doing business with the debtors.

According to the Vice President, who spoke when AMCON Management led by the Board Chairman, Muiz Banire paid him a visit at the State House Abuja, such individuals and groups, had made it impossible for the corporation to resolve its outstanding N5tn debt, thereby holding the entire nation to ransom with their bad behaviour.

He said, “I think the time has come for us (Federal Government) to set some examples with some of these top debtors of AMCON, which I believe will set a good example and serve as deterrent to others.”

In a statement issued by AMCON, Osinbajo said he was impressed with the performance of the executive management of AMCON under the leadership of Ahmed Kuru, for the recovery successes that had been achieved so far against all odds.

He promised Federal Government’s support to the corporation for it be able to pursue the obligors that had remained recalcitrant.

He said, “I congratulate AMCON for the work done so far having recovered over N1tn and counting both in cash and in assets. The work you do as a recovery agency is not something that is particularly easy or encouraging because we all know how Nigeria works.

“But we are committed to working more closely with your administration to ensure that these monies are recovered from AMCON obligors, because it will help our economy and provide the government with more money to continue to improve on the development of infrastructure across the nation.”

Chairman of AMCON’S board, Banire in his remarks said their visit was to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President on their victory at the recent polls using the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges faced by AMCON as a result of the attitudes of some debtors.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/12/seized-properties-saraki-says-efcc-being-mischievous/

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has described the seizure of some of his properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as mischievous.

Three residential houses located in highbrow Ikoyi, Lagos, allegedly belonging to the Senate leader were sealed off by the financial crimes body at the weekend.

The houses are said to be located at 15a, 15b and 17 MacDonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to Saraki, however, the properties in question have been investigated by the commission several times in the past.

A statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu said: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has marked certain property belonging to Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, obviously under the claim that they are subject of investigation.

“The action of the EFCC only reinforced our earlier stated position that their current investigation is mischievous, contrary to the tenets of the rule of law and only aimed at settling scores. This position is founded on the fact that these same buildings were the subject of earlier investigations by the EFCC as well as the case initiated by the Federal Government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

“Also, the case went all the way to the highest court in our country, the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In that case, Saraki was discharged and acquitted because the courts believe the government has no case.”

The Senate President and former governor of Kwara State has been having a running battle with the financial crime body ever since his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/12/umte-15-year-old-ekele-emerges-highest-scorer/


Fifteen-year-old Franklin Ekele from Imo State has emerged the highest scorer in the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination held in April.

He scored 347 marks to beat over 1.8 million other candidates who sat for the exam. Following Ekele closely were Emmanuel Chidiebube, 16, Abia State and Isaac Olamilekan, Osun State, who scored 346 and 345 respectively.

JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede made the disclosure on Saturday while announcing the release of the 2019 UMTE results in Abuja.

He said the results of 1,792,719 candidates out of the 1,886,508 who sat for the examination were release while that of 34,120 candidates were withheld. Among the withheld results, he explained were those of 15,145 candidates clasified as ‘identical twins and siblings.’

Oloyode disclosed also that about 59,667 candidates failed to turn up for the exam while JAMB delisted 116 centres over “registration-related misconduct.”

Speaking further about the duo of Ekele and Chidiebube, the registrar said they might not gain admission to their school of choice, University of Lagos, because they were underage.

A breakdown of the results, according to the registrar showed that 2,906 candidates scored over 300 as against 4,683 in 2018; 57,579 candidates scored between 250 and 299 as against 64,120 last year while 366,757 candidates scored between 200 and 249.

Oloyode also disclosed that 361,718 candidates scored between 180 and 199 as against 325,152 in 2018, while 494,484 scored between 160 and 179 as against 455,898 last year.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/12/benue-angry-youths-mob-notorious-criminal/

Angry youths in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue state, Saturday evening, mobbed a notorious criminal know as “One Man Squad.”

Our correspondent gathered that the dare-devil criminal who operated alone has been terrorising residents and business operators in Gboko for months now.

A resident of Gboko, Richard Akahan, enthused that ‘One Man Squad” has finally been killed by the youths and the police.

Mr. Akahan said luck ran out on the notorious criminal during one of his operations at Rano Filling Station, close to Myom Hospital, Gboko.

“The young man has been terrorizing the people, stealing from them publicly for some time now. It’s been a serious problem in Gboko lately. People now close before 8.pm for fear of this man.

“The town, which a friend once described as ‘Gboko at Night’ due to the bobbling activities of the youth at nightfall, has been a shadow of itself. Everyone had been thrown into fear not to fall victim of this kleptomaniac.